A Jewish Screenwriter's Candid Response to The Passion

Catholic Exchange | Oct. 9, 2003 | Alan Sereboff

[haole]

"Quite simply, I believe you have made one of the most breathtaking, poignant movies of our time. "

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[DannyTN]

"Whether one believes that Jesus was in fact the Son of God is essentially unimportant in appreciating the beauty and message of the film."

I haven't seen the film. But if he thinks it's beautiful without believing Jesus is the Son of God, it is so much more beautiful knowing that it's the God of Creation on that Cross.

[per loin]

This guy in a single review does more to avert anti-semitism than all the ravings of Abe Foxman.

[Delphinium]

Praise the Lord!

[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

This review is very consistent with what Matt Drudge (who is Jewish) and Robert Downey Jr. (ditto) have said after seeing the film.

The brickbats are being thrown by people who have not seen the film. Their criticism says much more about their agenda than it does about Gibson or his movie.

[Spiff]

men like McCarthy and Stalin flourish, and the raising of a wall in Germany

Whoa! He had me until this faux pas. McCarthy equated with Stalin!!? Idiot!!!

[w_over_w]

Ping!

Check this out brother. With the exception of paragraph eight (?) this letter is quite revealing . . . to me anyway.

I'll be writing Italy this weekend . . . or should I write Asia? God bless . . .

[NYer]

I cannot recall a film that has had such a profound effect on my understanding of history, religion and, perhaps most importantly, what we as human beings are capable of in relation to our treatment of one another.

This, coming from a Jewish film maker, is both a compliment and an endorsement for The Passion. Kudos to Mel Gibson!

[drstevej]

Let's see how many Catholics are willing to laud the Luther film.

[Mr. Lucky]

Give him the benefit of the doubt. He probably meant Eugene McCarthy.

[Chairman Fred]

The Gospel makes it very clear that Jesus was condemned under both Judaic AND Roman law, and that in both cases He was innocent of the charges brought against him. His blood is on everyone's hands, Jew and Gentile alike.

Then on the Cross He said, "Father, forgive them." Meaning, Jew and Gentile equally alike.

Thank you, Mr. Sereboff. I am looking forward to seeing the movie for myself.

[StAthanasiustheGreat]

Can't say I have seen the Luther film. I will definitly rent it when it comes out on video (don't know a theatre showing it here (NorthShore Chicago)). If you do, let me know. As a history nut as well, I loved the costumes. Not a huge fan of Mr. Fiennes, but I love the actor who plays one of the German nobles (forgot actor's name, feel like idiot now). Anyway, God Bless. (Still don't agree with Luther though).

[drstevej]

You don't have to agree with Luther to appreciate the film. I haven't seen it yet but plan to. Will definitely get the DVD and may even do a series of Sunday School lessons using the film if it is suitable.

The 1954 B&W film, "Here I Stand" was really great, IMO.

[RobbyS]

I liked it better than the critics. The best part was that it showed how much Luther owed to Frederick the Wise. With two points I disagree: (1) Frederick never became a Lutheran and (2) Never met Luther.

[Rudder]

Jesus died for the sins of all humanity.

I could never quite understand what this statement means. How could one die for another who is yet unborn? If one dies for another, does that mean the other does not die? And if he does die, then how could the one have died for him. If I am responsible for my sins, how could another accept punishment on my behalf?

Any clarifications out there?

[AmericaUnited]

How old are you?

[Hildy]

As a Jew, I agree 100%

[Rudder]

Likely older than you.